Fat Tire and Friends Fat Sour Apple Ale

What the brewers say

“Our Portland heroes at HUB pedaled Fat Tire straight to the apple orchard. This slightly sour homage starts out with a snap of tartness, courtesy of Lactobacillus and apple juice, then gets balanced with Fat Tire–inspired malty sweetness and a slight herbal bitterness. Nice ride, HUB!”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Sweet red apple and tart green apple notes with a hint of lemon and a touch of biscuit malt sweetness. Spicy cinnamon notes, as well as a slightly vegetal/herbal character, and aromas of orchard and wet earth.”

Flavor: “Sweet and tart apple followed by subtle tartness develops into hints of biscuit malt sweetness. The acidity is definitely present, but not particularly sharp or tangy. A dry cidery bitter character contributes some grapefruit and citrus aftertaste. Clean and refreshing.”

Overall: “Simple by design, this beer is designed for enjoyment but not excessive analysis. The apple and earthy fermentation character makes it taste a bit like a lightly hopped Normandy cider, and the lingering acidity is more pronounced than in the flavor.”